The name Jocelin is derived from the Old French name Joscelin, which originated as a diminutive form of the masculine given name Joscelin. This name has its roots in the medieval Latin name Joscelinus, a derivative of the biblical name Joseph. The name Joseph traces back to the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning "he will add" or "he will increase."

Jocelin was a relatively popular name during the Middle Ages, particularly in France and England. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this name was Jocelin de Brakelond, an English chronicler who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He is best known for his chronicle of the Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds, which provides valuable insights into monastic life during that period.

Another notable figure with the name Jocelin was Jocelin of Wells, a 12th-century bishop and hagiographer from Somerset, England. He is known for writing the Life of St. Patrick, a biography of the patron saint of Ireland, as well as other works on the lives of saints.

In the 13th century, Jocelin de Furness was an English historian and monk who authored a chronicle of the Cistercian abbey of Furness in Lancashire. His work, the Vita Roberti, is an important source for the history of the abbey and the region during his lifetime.

A famous bearer of the name Jocelin in the 14th century was Jocelin of Bredenkerd, a German Dominican friar and theologian. He was known for his writings on the Bible and his contributions to the development of scholastic theology.

In the 15th century, Jocelin de Rochefort was a French nobleman and military commander who served under King Charles VII during the Hundred Years' War. He played a significant role in the French victory at the Battle of Patay in 1429, which marked a turning point in the war.

While the name Jocelin has its roots in medieval times, it has continued to be used throughout the centuries, though with varying popularity. Its associations with notable historical figures, particularly from the religious and literary spheres, have contributed to its enduring appeal and cultural significance.